CSV import and export of attributes for mass management of products

Exporting and importing attributes using CSV files in AI Commerce significantly streamlines the management of product features. With this feature, you can for example add, modify, and organize product attributes like brand, color, or brake_levers without manual clicking in the user interface. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors, especially in large quantities of products.

1. CSV Export Attributes

Attributes can be exported in CSV format from: Products → Attributes → CSV Export Attributes.

The export file includes fields such as:

attribute_code;title[fi];title[en]

Example:

Tip: Always export existing attributes in CSV format first to ensure you have the safest basis for editing in the correct format.

2. CSV Import Attributes

You can import attributes back in modified format using the same structure. The CSV must contain at least:

• attribute_code (required field that specifies whether a new attribute is being added or an existing one is being updated)

• title[fi], title[en], etc. (multilingual names that can be added with language codes supported by the system)

• is_filterable, is_comparable, is_listable, is_visible_on_front, is_html_allowed_on_front (values 0 or 1)

• sort_order (integer that specifies the order of the attribute in the user interface)

• frontend_input (allowed values include: select, multiselect, decimal, text, textarea, boolean)

Import occurs at Products → Attributes → CSV Import Attributes. A message such as “Import Complete” will be displayed in the system upon successful import.

3. Validation and Error Handling

During import, the system checks:

• Are the column headers correct (e.g. title[fi], not title_fi)

• Do the number of columns match the number in the header row

• Are the required fields present on each row

  
  

If errors are found, the row is either skipped or the entire import is aborted. Common error messages include:

• “CSV missing header row”: header row is missing or empty

• “expected X columns, got Y”: the number of columns does not match

• “Attribute already exists!”: attribute_code is already in use

• Missing or incorrect frontend_input: the system will use the default value or discard the row

  
  

4. Handling Select and Multiselect Options

If the attribute is of type select or multiselect, related options (e.g. brand: Sram, Shimano, BBB) are handled with a separate CSV. Import and export can be done at CSV Export Options and CSV Import Options.

For example, the structure of the CSV file:

code;title[fi]

Note that these options do not affect the basic settings of the attribute, but only the selections.

5. Supported Frontend Input Types

Supported field types for attributes:

• select

• multiselect

• decimal

• text

• textarea

• boolean

Boolean type fields (like is_filterable) can have values of 0 or 1.

6. Recommended Workflow

1. Export existing attributes as CSV from the admin panel

2. Open the CSV file (e.g. in Excel or Google Sheets)

3. Make the necessary modifications, such as:

   
   

   • Update title[fi] or change sort_order

   • Add new rows for new attributes (remember unique attribute_code)

   
   

4. Import the CSV back into the system

5. Check that the import was successful without error messages

   
   

Summary

Managing attributes via CSV in AI Commerce is an efficient way to handle large product data. The same CSV files can be used for both exporting and importing. The function allows centralized management of language versions, selections, and technical features. We recommend testing the process first with a small file before larger updates.